Nonlinear Pattern Dynamics in a Liquid Crystal Light Valve

Abstract

Pattern formation in a liquid crystal light valve with optical feedback is investigated numerically on the basis of a phenomenological model. Under the rotational feedback with 30 degrees, a six-hold petal pattern appears in a certain voltage regime. As the increase of applied voltage, the petal pattern begins to fluctuate and changes to spatiotemporal chaos. The static and dynamical features of the petal patterns obtained in the numerical simulation are very similar to the experimental observations. The numerical simulation reveals the scenario of bifurcation from the static petal pattern to the fluctuating petal pattern under the increase of applied voltage.